Blue Bloodscame to an end in December 2024 with its season 14 finale, much to fans' dismay, and another CBS TV series (which could also be canceled soon) replaced it in the network’s Friday lineup.The cancelation ofBlue Bloodswas met with animosityas many viewers (and the cast itself) attempted to save it. Unfortunately, they weren’t successful and CBS held strong in its decision to end the police procedural drama. Now,a different established TV show with many seasons has replaced the former beloved series,and it cannot afford to face the same fate asBlue Bloods.
CBS canceledBlue Bloodsdue to wanting to freshen up the network’s schedule. The series lasted for 14 seasons and 293 episodes, after all. However, many believe that the cost of producing the police procedural TV show also played a part in CBS cutting it from its lineup, even though the cast and crew reportedly agreed to take a 25 percent pay cut for season 14 (perThe Hollywood Reporter). So,despite its popularity and ratings success,Blue Bloodsis over.Another popular police procedural series has taken its place, but its future is as unclear asBlue Bloods' was.
CBS' Replacement For Blue Bloods Was A Surprising Choice
S.W.A.T. Has Taken Over Blue Bloods' Timeslot
While the second half ofBlue Bloodsseason 14 was airing on CBS, so was the first half ofS.W.A.T.season 8. New episodes of both TV shows premiered on Fridays, withS.W.A.T.at 8 pm ET andBlue Bloodsat 10 pm ET. However, onceBlue Bloodsseason 14 ended,S.W.A.T.took over its 10 pm ET timeslot on Fridays on CBS,whileNCIS: Sydneyseason 2 replacedS.W.A.T.at 8 pm ET.
So, it’s just strange that CBS seemingly expectsS.W.A.T.season 8 to match or even beatBlue Bloods' performance when it simply can’t.
Of course, succeedingBlue Bloodsis seemingly good news forS.W.A.T.The older series ran for 14 seasons and received great ratings, suggesting CBS has faith in the newer series. Nevertheless,CBS choosingS.W.A.T.asBlue Bloods' replacement is confusing becauseit has significantly lower ratings than its predecessor.Plus, it has already been canceled twice before. So, it’s just strange that CBS seemingly expectsS.W.A.T.season 8 to match or even beatBlue Bloods' performance when it simply can’t.
Blue Bloods' Cast Are As Sad About Its Cancelation As You Are: What Selleck, Wahlberg & More Said About Its Ending
Blue Bloods' cast and crew are as sad about the popular procedural’s cancelation as the audience is. Many have spoken out about CBS' decision.
Canceling S.W.A.T. After Blue Bloods' Ending Would Be Very Frustrating
S.W.A.T. Has Been Canceled Before
As mentioned above,CBS has canceledS.W.A.T.twice before. Ahead of the season 6 finale, the network canceled the action drama but reversed its decision just a few days later following fan outcry. Still,CBS made it clear thatS.W.A.T.was being picked up for a seventh andfinalseason.That declaration would turn out to be a lie, though. The network renewedS.W.A.T.for season 8 a month before the season 7 finale, and as of the writing of this article, season 9’s status is unclear.
Annie Ilonzeh
Devin Gamble
With the future ofS.W.A.T.uncertain, it’s a frustrating time to be a fan of CBS police procedurals that air on Fridays at 10 pm ET. Viewers have already been forced to say goodbye toBlue Bloods. So, the network canceling its replacement would be inconsistent and cruel.CBS would also then have to find anotherBlue Bloodssuccessor.Unfortunately,S.W.A.T.getting canceled after season 8is a very real possibility. Fans should prepare themselves for the worst once the time for CBS to decideS.W.A.T.’s future comes around.
Is S.W.A.T. Likely To Be Renewed Or Canceled?
CBS Hasn’t Made A Decision Concerning S.W.A.T. Season 9
S.W.A.T.’s future probably won’t be decided until spring 2025(perDeadline). However, it does not look good for the police procedural action drama series. Although it has moved toBlue Bloods' timeslot for the second half of season 8, the show’s ratings have dipped from the first half. Perhaps CBS should have keptS.W.A.T.in its initial spot in the Friday lineup.
New episodes ofS.W.A.T.air on Fridays at 10 pm ET on CBS. Season 8 will include 22 episodes.
According toTVLine, though,S.W.A.T.season 8, episode 10 did experience a 12 percent increase in viewership compared to the previous hour. However,episode 10’s ratings (3.4 million) are still inferior toBlue Bloodsseason 14’s average (5.07 million).IfBlue Bloodscouldn’t survive with these numbers, surelyS.W.A.T.can’t either. Nevertheless, fans will just have to wait to see if season 8 has a miraculous turnaround or if CBS still sees potential inS.W.A.T.and renews it for season 9.
